Pops for Italian Introducing Cooled “DogSpot” House so Pets Can Wait Safely

(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 22, 2018)

Ferndale, MI – Ever wish you could pop into a store or have a nice Italian dinner, but not sure what to do with the pooch you’ve been walking? Well, Pops for Italian in Downtown Ferndale now has the solution.

The locally-owned restaurant is installing a DogSpot – which is an air conditioned doghouse that locks your pet safely inside for up to 90 minutes while you shop or dine.

Dog owners can buy access cards which cost 30 cents per minute. There is 24/7 support for those who may worry about lost cards or malfunctions.

Marketing Manager Shane Hudson brought the idea to his bosses, who have a history of supporting canines in the community. In Downtown Ferndale, The Kramer Restaurant Group owns Pops for Italian, Rosie O’Grady’s, and One Eyed Betty’s. Rosie’s has held a couple fundraisers with Canine to Five called “Drinking with Dogs”, Rosies also has a “Doggie Patio located on the nine mile sidewalk.

Last summer Pop’s for Italian began hosting a Puppy Kissing Booth that raised money for various charities. This summer the focus will be on Canine Companions Rescue Center. There was a launch of the booth in May and there will be a wine tasting fundraiser in September to support the rescue.

And Pop’s itself has a tribute to puppy love worked into their interior artwork. In the main dining area is a large happy dog painted by artist Andrezej Sikora, and in the walkway there are images of owner Brian Kramer’s beloved four-legged friends Caesar and Thor.

There is even a doggie menu in progress.

Hudson was inspired by a video on the internet “I saw a viral video a year or so ago and reached out to the company, at the time, they were in New York City only, but they told me they would get back to me when they were ready. In February they got back and told me that they were launching nationwide this year and that we were on the top of the list,” Hudson said.

“Bringing DogSpot to Ferndale was important to me because not only does it improve the city’s walkability, it provides a safe place for folks to leave their dogs as opposed to a light pole or even worse, a hot car.”

Another feature Hudson is excited about is the Puppy Cam, so people can check on their doggie friends while they’re eating.

UPDATE: A DogSpot will also be installed across the street at Rosie’s.

DogSpot will be ready to use starting Monday June 25. For more information and to sign up visit www.dogparker.com/signup

About the author

The Oakland County Times started with one city in 2009 and has grown to the community news hub you see today. Contact editor@oc115.com if you have any questions, comments, event listings, etc. Please support this work by becoming an advertising sponsor or check out our online community garden. Also happy to hear tips and story ideas.